What kind of school was Lowood School in Charlotte Bronte' Jane Eyre?

Lowood School in Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" is a charity institution for orphaned girls, characterized by its strict discipline, harsh conditions, and limited resources. It emphasizes moral education and Christian values but is marked by neglect and cruelty from some of its staff, particularly Mr. Brocklehurst. The school serves as a formative experience for Jane, shaping her resilience and sense of justice as she endures the hardships of her upbringing. Ultimately, Lowood represents both the challenges faced by women in the 19th century and a critique of the educational system of the time.